Surgery

Surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm involves removing the portion of the aorta that contains the aneurysm and replacing it with a synthetic graft. With aneurysms of the thoracic aorta, the aortic valve may also be affected and need to be replaced or repaired. If the aneurysm involves important branches of the aorta, these vessels may either be repaired or bypassed.

Stenting

Depending on where the aneurysm is located and how complex it is, stenting may be done. A stent-graft is a polyester tube supported by metal stents. The stent-graft is inserted via a catheter that is introduced through an artery in the upper thigh. Under x-ray guidance, the catheter is carefully threaded into the aorta and deployed at the site of the aneurysm. With the stent-graft in place, blood flows through the stent-graft, alleviating pressure on the aneurysm, and greatly reducing or eliminating the risk of rupture.

An aneurysm of the thoracic (chest) segment of the aorta.

The same aneurysm seen in relation to the heart.

Aortic aneurysm repair using synthetic (Dacron) graft, usually performed via open surgery.

The same type of aneurysm repaired with a metallic stent—often performed using minimally invasive surgical approaches.

Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Synthetic (Dacron) Graft

Usually performed via open surgery, this is the same type of aneurysm repaired with a metallic stent—often performed using minimally invasive surgical approaches.